Beyond Doubt

Author(s): Padmasagarsuri
Publisher: Arunoday Foundation

Page 74

But the most astonishing aspect of the incident was that the traveller was saved and instead the son was murdered. It so happened that a neighbour Harijan had overheard the conversation of the Station Master and the murderer. It is truely said that one who saves someone's life is greater and more powerful than one who tries to take a life.
Goodluck had favoured the Shravaka' hence the neighbour Harijan was lead to save the householders life. He went to the waiting room and asked the seth if he wanted to save his life or the wealth that he carried with him. The Seth replied that he surely would desire his life to be saved. Wealth lost could be re-earned, but the life that is lost can never be regained. The seth said "If I am alive, I will earn a lot of wealth. But why are you asking me all this? What is the matter? Please explain to me."The neighbour of the murdered said, "Sir, the Station Master of this station is very mean and treacherous. He has hatched a conspiracy in consultation with my neighbour to kill you. My neighbour will be coming here after sharpening his knife. If you want to save your life, leave this trunk here itself and come alone with me to my house and spend the night there. In the morning I will gather the villagers and compel the Station Master to return your trunk. But just now it is dangerous for you to stay here. It is your great fortune that my conscience has directed me to save your life and perhaps you are blessed to live longer."
1 Shravaka
Sethji went along with the Harijan and spent the night in his hut. On the other hand the son of the Station Master returned after seeing a drama in the village. He had taken his father's permission to go to the theatre. Instead of returning home in the late hour and disturbing his mother, he found it convenient to sleep in the waiting
a Jain householder
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